Parents of the Year

In the second part of our discussion on entitlement, Andrew and Caroline tackle some of the most challenging—but crucial—aspects of parenting. This week, we explore: Why not rescuing your kids is an essential step toward fostering resilience. The importance of letting your kids sit with big emotions (and why it’s okay if it feels uncomfortable). How to embrace being "unpopular" as a pare...

Are you worried your child might be entitled?   Entitlement isn’t something any parent sets out to cultivate, but it can happen more easily than you think. The good news? It’s never too late to make a change.  In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew and Caroline discuss practical, actionable steps parents can take to shift the dynamic and turn entitlement into responsibility, independence, and...

Today on #Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with teen life coach Kevin about the power of mindset, active listening, and positive reframing to help kids thrive. Learn practical strategies for identifying red flags, empowering kids’ growth, and shifting your approach to foster independence and confidence. Whether you're navigating the challenges of teenhood or seeking solutions to...

Are we raising a generation ready for life's challenges—or shielding them too much? Get ready for a lighthearted but real discussion on parenting, childhood resilience, and fostering independence! In this Parents of the Year episode, Caroline shares a news article to explore why today’s parents may not be teaching essential life skills. Through stories from Japan, where deers attack and young...

In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline welcome Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls , to discuss how parents can navigate the whirlwind of puberty with their kids (starting well before puberty actually starts). Together, they explore the critical role of hormones, how to recognize early signs of puberty, and tips for dads and moms alike to build strong connections...

In this wild and offbeat episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew, Caroline, and their daughter, Maya dive headfirst into the unpredictable world of parenting. This episode goes all over the place from the art of being an annoyingly loving parent to a deeper conversation about what skills parents should have before taking the plunge.  Ever thought about having to train a chicken before becoming a p...

In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline dive into the all-too-common struggle of over-parenting.  From parents attending university orientations to learn how to "manage" their adult children, to navigating the fine line between guiding and helicoptering, they explore how to foster real independence.  Along the way, they share practical tips, personal stories, and lau...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with environmental health advocate and best-selling author, David Steinman, to discuss the hidden chemical toxins lurking in everyday products. David, author of Raising Healthy Kids: How to Protect Your Children from the Hidden Chemical Toxins in Our Everyday Lives , shares startling findings from tests on major brands that reveal alarming lev...

In this episode of Parents of the Year , Andrew and Caroline chat about the challenges of fostering cooperation and independence in kids without turning every request into a battle.  From navigating the chaos of messy bedrooms to managing shared spaces, they share real-life stories and practical tips on getting kids to contribute around the house—without the constant nagging. Tune in for a candid...

 In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline welcome special guest Sofia Fortin, founder of The Happy Vee Project, to discuss the complexities of maintaining intimacy after having kids. Sofia, a certified sex coach, and educator, shares her expertise on helping couples reignite their connection amidst the chaos of parenting. Discover: The four key domains affecting post-baby libido...

Join Andrew and Caroline for a hilarious and thought-provoking episode of Parents of the Year as they tackle parenting in today’s world inspired by an old-world lens. Join them as they deep dive into how modern parenting compares with ancient, hands-off approaches and challenge the overparenting trap many fall into today.  Discover why boredom is a critical skill for kids, why tracking your kids m...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline discuss the raw and transformative journey of Rob Rohde, a single father of five daughters, as he navigates the challenges of parenthood, from overcoming the deep sense of failure to becoming an empowered, present dad. In this episode, Rob talks about the importance of truly connecting with your children, the hard lessons learned from trying to bal...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline jump into Part 2 of why over-focusing on children’s emotions might do more harm than good. From encouraging resilience through a coach-like approach to sharing personal stories of parenting challenges, they discuss practical strategies for helping kids navigate life’s ups and downs without being overwhelmed by their feelings.  Tune in for another i...

Today on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline explore how an overemphasis on children’s feelings might be doing more harm than good.  While it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect our kids' feelings, constantly focusing on their emotional states can inadvertently lead to dependency and a lack of resilience. Join us as we unpack the potential pitfalls of emotion-centric parenting in part o...

Is Parenting Bad for Your Health? The Surgeon General Thinks So—Do You? Parenting isn’t just tough—it’s exhausting, and the Surgeon General’s latest report confirms it’s taking a serious toll on our health.  In this episode, we dive into the daily challenges parents face, from stress to sleep deprivation, and explore the simple yet powerful ways we can reclaim our well-being. Learn from our ancien...

This week on Parents on the Year, we recast another of Carline’s important Overpowering Emotions episodes focusing on managing back-to-school worries and equipping children for a smooth and confident transition.  As the new school year approaches, it's natural for children to experience a mix of excitement and apprehension. Parents often face challenges in helping their kids navigate this tim...

Today on Parents of the Yea, Andrew and Caroline welcome special guest Stephanie Elliston to share her expertise on developing resilience, a crucial skill for both parents and children in today's ever-changing world. Discover practical strategies to build your resilience muscle, navigate through life's challenges, and foster a positive mindset. Stephanie breaks down the stages of resilie...

Get ready to kickstart the new school year with ease and confidence, parents! 📚✨ We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes from Caroline’s Overpowering Emotions podcast, and trust us, it’s a gem! 💎 In this episode, Caroline shares a treasure trove of tips and strategies to ensure a smooth back-to-school transition for your kids. From establishing solid routines to tackling back-to-sc...

In this engaging episode of the Parents of the Year podcast, join Andrew and Caroline with special guest Angela Smith as they explore how compassion, connection, and self-love can transform your journey as a parent.  Discover practical strategies for building emotional resilience in children, the importance of self-care for parents, and the profound impact of reading together as a family. Angela&a...

Boredom-busting is back on the agenda, parents! 🥳  This week on Parents of the Year, we're replaying an episode that's just as relevant this summer. Ever heard your kids whine, "I'm bored!"? Well, we've got the perfect remedy for that!  Boredom is not just a nuisance; it’s a golden opportunity for your kids to grow, develop, and discover new passions.   In this episo...

Get ready to conquer those summer fears and dive into new adventures with your kids with this summer replay! 🌞💪  This week on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline are back with an episode that's just as relevant this summer as ever.  Overcoming fears and embracing new challenges can be a bit scary for our little (and not-so-little) ones. But stepping out of their comfort zones is crucia...

Summer’s back, and so is the pressure to keep our kids busy, busy, busy! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️  Join Andrew and Caroline in this eye-opening episode of Parents of the Year, where we kick off our summer success series by tackling the age-old myth that more activities equal happier, more successful kids. Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of schedules and activities? You’re not alone! But guess what? Ther...

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and parents everywhere are wondering how to keep their sanity intact. Today on Parents of the Year, we re-address the ultimate summertime challenge: balancing structure and freedom!  Join Andrew and Caroline as they discuss the dance of keeping your kids happy and engaged while maintaining a sense of routine. Discover why structure is crucial even durin...

Summer's here again, and we decided to replay our Summer Series to help you make the most of summer. Today, we have the perfect episode for you!  When the kiddos were little, they were practically glued to our sides during those long, lazy days at the lake. But as they grow up, their "let's hang out with mom and dad" enthusiasm tends to... well, drift a bit.  In this relatable...

Today on Parents of the Year, as she does, Caroline has trouble staying on topic talking about Madonna, F1, a room painted in pooh, and losing her children. She and Andrew eventually discuss Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and it's impact in parenting with guest expert Dr. Lauren Pasqua. Learn how to apply DBT's principles to navigate intense emotions and behaviours in kids while boos...